Video Game Design School
There is unlimited opportunity in the video game design industry which has become one of the fastest growing a most exciting fields to enter. Each year more and more students are choosing to become video game designer and enrolling in colleges and universities that offer courses and degrees in game design, game art and development. When choosing a school there are a number of things to consider like is the school highly ranked, is the game design program run and taught by video game industry professionals and after completing the game design program what entry level jobs will you be qualified for.
We have compiled a list of Colleges and Universities that offer degrees in
- Game Design
- Game Art
- Video Game Development
- Character Design
- 3D Animation
- 3D Modeling
- and Illustration
Some of the classes you can expect to take at these game design schools are: Video Game Design, Prototyping, Level Design, Visual Development, Game Art, Visual Effects, Character Design, 3D Modeling, Story Boarding and more!
This list of video game design schools is constantly evolving schools are added weekly so check back often.
Game Art Degree
Full Sail University
Game Art Bachelor's Degree Program
You know good video game graphics when you see them, and if you're interested in a career creating the content you see up on screen, Full Sail's Game Art Bachelor's Degree Program can help you learn the same production methods used to create 3D art in the professional gaming industry.
This degree program focuses on the fundamentals of interactive graphics development – including character creation, scene design, asset production, in-game effects, and the physics of motion.
You'll learn how these principles function within a game engine, and how to take your ideas from a simple sketch to a complex 3D model that moves and articulates realistically. Further classes will show you how to add even greater depth to your models with the use of textures, lighting, and visual effects.
The practical application of these combined skills is your final design project, which pairs you with students in our Game Design and Game Development degree programs to create a complete game. You'll collaborate with this team of game programmers and producers to design and create the characters and objects, as well as build the 3D environments they inhabit.
In addition to giving you a physical example of the art production techniques you've learned during the Game Art degree, the experience also helps you develop the personal and professional skills that will help you be a more effective member of a game development team.
Featured Game Design School
DeVry University
Game & Simulation Programming (GSP)
DeVry University's bachelor's degree program in Game and Simulation Programming (GSP) produces graduates poised to make an impact in the industry. Master the coding languages, visual design principles, and software methods used in the development of video games, crime scene reconstruction, corporate training software, and more. We also partner with industry-leading companies like Vivendi/Universal to offer students experiential learning opportunities and networking contacts to potential employers around the world. With the video game industry charting revenues in excess of $21 billion1, and the U.S. Army alone investing millions in simulation training, exciting new jobs in gaming and simulation programming are created every day.
Your Game and Simulation Programming degree from DeVry University will prepare you for success.
Digital Entertainment and Game Design
ITT Technical Institute
Digital Entertainment and Game Design
The Digital Entertainment and Game Design program in the School of Drafting and Design at the ITT Technical Institutes can help graduates prepare for career opportunities in a variety of entry-level positions involving the technology associated with the design and development of digital games and multimedia applications. Courses in this program offer a foundation in digital game design through the study of subjects such as gaming technology, game design process, animation, level design and general education coursework.
Graduates of this program may pursue entry-level career opportunities in a number of different digital entertainment and game design companies. Job functions may include working in a team to design, develop, test and produce video games, or create animations and 3D scenes for use in video games.
Video Game Design & Programming
The Art Institutes
Game Design & Programming
Take it to the next level in our programs designed to teach game design and programming.
You’ve got a passion for games. And an imagination that knows no bounds. Put them together with an education focusing on game design and programming, and you can pursue a future that’s fast-paced, fulfilling, and a lot of fun. At The Art Institutes system of schools, you’ll have an opportunity to take your talent to the next level as you use industry-current tools and technologies to create virtual worlds and characters. Game design and programming courses offered at our schools will take you through the art of image manipulation, creative storytelling, 3-D modeling, texture mapping, and much more. This is hands-on, real-world schooling that prepares you to pursue entry – level opportunities such as game designer, modeler or visual effects specialist. So explore the programs below. And find out how an exciting future in game design and programming can start at The Art Institutes system of schools.
Video Game Design & 3D Animation
Academy of Art University
Video Game Design & 3D Animation
Games and interactive immersive worlds grab you and provide not only entertainment, but education, cultural enrichment, and groundbreaking social interaction. There is no limit to the potential in the game design field, which is quickly becoming the premiere medium for cultural storytelling, information and entertainment. More students are enrolling in game design colleges because virtual worlds and interactive environments touch every part of our lives, from the games we play to the phones we use.
One of the top game design schools in the nation, Academy of Art University offers video game design programs led by industry professionals. The hands-on, interactive curriculum in the game design school includes game design courses that prepare each student for creative success.
More Video Game Design Schools
School/College | Programs Offered | Locations | Contact Information |
---|---|---|---|
Art Institute Campus |
Game Design and ProgrammingOur instructors will use their current gaming industry experience to create a learning environment that resembles the world you'll be entering. Traditional and digital art fundamentals such as drawing, color, design, and computer applications will give you the background you need to start learning the techniques of animation, storyboarding, 2D and 3D modeling, lighting effects, and texture mapping. And you'll also learn how to apply the principles of gaming, balance and usability to plan and devise game rules and mechanics; create the entire gaming experience; and develop games that can be used in industry-standard engines through every stage of the production pipeline. Here, you can work with the same hardware and software industry professionals use, including Intel Xeon Mac Pros; iMac computers; Intel-based PCs; game engines, including CryENGINE, Valve, Unreal Engine 2, Unity, and Microsoft XNA; and other software, including Photoshop, Flash Professional, Zbrush, Source, Pro Tools, Autodesk 3ds Max, and Maya. So you can build a digital portfolio designed to impress potential employers. Our game art and design programs can prepare you for such entry-level positions as game designer, 2D/3D animator or artist, cinematic artist, game tester/analyst, level artist, or texture artist at places like game developers, software companies, education companies, and more. |
ARIZONA CALIFORNIA COLORADO FLORIDA GEORGIA ILLINOIS INDIANA KANSAS MASSACHUSETTS MICHIGAN MINNESOTA NEVADA NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA OHIO OREGON PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE TEXAS UTAH VIRGINIA WASHINGTON |
The Art Institute |
International Academy of Design and Technology |
Bachelor - Computer Animation An artful blend of creative vision and technology, computer animators work in 3-D to bring their imagination to life. Animators can specialize in motion, feature films, materials, and more. Our new motion capture studio will give you the opportunity to train on the same equipment that's used in major motion pictures. The computer animation program is designed to teach you how to develop drawing skills and combine them with storytelling in the digital realm to acquire the skills you need to help you enter the field of computer animation. Bachelor - Visual Communications: Game Design The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication (Game Design) is designed to provide training in principles and techniques used to create interactive 2D and 3D computer games. Students can learn design software; modeling and animation skills, networking principles, level and world editors, and game engines used to design and develop games, and will examine market research and business concepts related to game production and distribution processes. Project management, creative design, and communication skills are integrated throughout this dynamic curriculum to help prepare students for entry-level positions in the game design industry. |
Chicago, IL Troy, MI Henderson, NV Nashville, TN Orlando, FL Sacramento, CA San Antonio, TX Schaumburg, IL Tukwila, WA Tampa, FL |
International Academy of Design and Technology |
Expression College for Digital Arts |
Game Art and Design ProgramThe Game Art and Design program prepares students for a career in the interactive entertainment industry through immersive training in core-competency areas; which include fine arts, theory, and projects that mirror the professional pipeline production environment of a video game designer. This pipeline creates a solid foundation for students as they move toward entering the industry of video game design and development. Early classes in the program develop fine art skills and an aesthetic foundation that supports all subsequent work. Fundamentals in craft and tool application are introduced in the sophomore and junior years through a series of hands-on classes that build skill sets in 2D computer graphics, scripting, 3D modeling, animation, texture, and lighting. Students will also begin the design and development of their first game level through group work that simulates professional pipeline production techniques. |
Emeryville, CA |
Expression College for Digital Arts 6601 Shellmound St Emeryville, CA 94608 |
Rasmussen College |
Game and Simulation Production Bachelor DegreeIn the Online Game and Simulation program, you will understand and be able to apply the technical concepts and knowledge needed to develop video games and simulation projects from concept to finished product. This Online Bachelor's degree will enhance your critical thinking and reasoning abilities, information literacy, and communication skills. The knowledge you gain will enable you to begin a career in the video game and simulation production industry. |
Online |
Rasmussen College |
Collins College |
Bachelor - Game Design The curriculum in our Game Design Program is designed to equip you with game essentials like C++, Java, 3ds max and AI (Artificial Intelligence) so you can make your quest-driven concept a game reality. Your education in Game Design can take you from game research and planning, character development and storytelling, all the way through level design, modeling programming and project management. It takes more than imagination to be a game designer, and we can help you to take your ideas from concept to completion and beyond. BA Visual Art w/ Game Art Major As a student, you can learn to create characters and settings that bring a game to life. You can learn the fundamentals of sound design for game projects and explore the workflow concepts behind the art department of a major game studio. You can visualize a concept and acquire the computer skills necessary to render it in 3D. Enroll in this exciting Visual Arts degree program with a major in Game Art and you'll take classes such as Creative Visualization, Audio for Gaming, Game Design Project Management, 3D Studio Max® 1, and 3D Modeling. Computer labs, traditional animation labs, photo/video labs, and a photography studio lab are available to students who choose this Visual Arts degree program. In approximately 31 months, you can earn a degree to help you enter today's workforce as a Game Designer. |
Tempe, AZ |
Collins College 1140 S. Priest Dr Tempe, AZ 85281 |
Brown College |
Bachelor of Science Degree - Game Design & DevelopmentThe videogame industry, commonly known as interactive entertainment, is growing by leaps and bounds. Here at Brown we embrace a strong education in game design which seeks to shape tomorrow's interactive entertainment visionaries, helping them become team-based creative problem solvers and contributors to our increasingly global culture. Career opportunities for Game Design & Development graduates span a range of sectors. They can apply their skills to create the next hit console title, military training simulations, medical diagnosis tools, educational systems, next-generation marketing of course, a range of digital and traditional game types. Classes in the Game Design and Development degree program are designed to be as riveting as the games they focus on studying. While pursuing a degree in game design, you learn to become adaptable team-player, leader, and entrepreneur ready to tackle big studio and indie opportunities as they present themselves in today's dynamic marketplace. This is no simple task, but with the power of will and determination you can be a qualified interactive entertainment professional. |
Mendota Heights, MN Brooklyn Center, MN |
Brown College 1440 Northland Drive Mendota Heights, MN 55120 |
Digital Media Arts College |
Learn from industry experts from leading companies such as SEGA, ImageWorks, Disney, and more. We're one of the United States' most technologically equipped digital artist colleges. We have the tools and techniques to empower your creative career. Take classes in artist-designed labs and facilities. Learn from experts in digital artistry. Work with industry-standard animation tools, 3D software, and imaging technologies. All at DMAC. |
Boca Raton, FL |
Digital Media Art College 3785 N Federal Hwy Boca Raton, FL 33431 |
The Art Institute Online |
Animation Program Animation involves bringing artwork and characters to life with such precision that they truly seem real. Animation is part acting, part storytelling, and part visual art - it's a mix of both electronic arts and traditional animation skills. You'll study methods to create realistic movement in 3-D digital environments, and collaborate within a team environment to gain practical experience. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment such as 3-D character animator, modeler, and storyboarder. Game Art & Design Program Graduates are prepared to enter the Game Art and Design field as modelers, storyboard artists, animation artists, 3-D illustrators, digital artists, FX artists, video post-production artists, and broadcast graphics designers, as well as game designers. Learn what it takes to produce great art and design and use the skill to create applications used by the business, education, training and entertainment industries. Request a Brochure > |
Online Programs and more than 40 locations across the US |
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division 1400 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 |
Living Arts College |
ANIMATION & GAME DESIGN (BA/BGA, 3 Years)Students around the world look to this boutique-like, creative animation school for a highly specialized education. They excel with their real-world production experience including:
|
Raleigh, NC |
Living Arts College 3000 Wakefield Crossing Drive Raleigh, NC 27614 US |
Cogswell Polytechnical College |
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Art and AnimationDigital Arts and Animation offers students preparation in four concentration areas: 3D Animation, Entertainment Design, Game Design, and 3D Modeling. The coursework bridges traditional and digital arts classes and includes solid components of theory, production, and general education. Digital Arts and Animation project classes provide many opportunities for collaborations with other programs at Cogswell, including Digital Audio Technology and Digital Arts Engineering. The Portfolio classes provide a format for bringing together all of the elements of the concept to delivery pipeline as students collaborate on multidisciplinary teams to complete real world projects. |
Sunnyvale, CA |
Cogswell Polytechnical College 1175 Bordeaux Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089 |
Madison Media Institute |
Game Art and Animation program
The Game Art and Animation program prepares students for entry-level positions in the computer game and animation field. These positions are typically found in video game production studios, visual effects houses, TV production studios, and computer animation studios.
|
Madison, WI Minneapolis, MN |
Madison Media Institute 2702 Agriculture Drive Madison, WI 53718 |
Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts |
Game Art + Character Animation CertificateLearn the skills necessary to become a 3D artist and animator with the 3D Animation + Interactive Media Certificate. This cross-curriculum program integrates multiple aspects of 2D and 3D art, interactive media and animation with professional experience. You'll get hands-on training in modeling, design, texturing, animation, lighting and rendering for 3D design. Using Autodesk Maya, the leading 3D software tool for professionals, and web applications such as Adobe Flash, you'll work on a variety of projects: from product illustration and architectural visualization to character animation and web media presentation. When you finish the 3D Animation program, you'll leave with a portfolio and demo reel complete with 3D models, textures and animations to showcase your new skills. |
Waltham, MA Washington, DC |
Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts |
Mt. Sierra College |
Game Arts & DesignPeople once called them games. Now we call them training for pilots and soldiers, learning tools for children, and totally-blow-your-mind-graphics. What was once a cottage industry is now an 11 billion dollar market that desperately needs programmers and designers. With the hands-on education Mt. Sierra College offers, students become skilled professionals. Graduates of the Games Arts & Design program enter the field eager to develop the next generation of games and simulations for a growing industry. Students enrolling in the Game Arts and Design area of specialization will take courses that build a solid foundation in multimedia arts and design and will take specialized courses in game and simulation development. Students specializing in Game Arts and Design will be prepared for employment in the areas of game and simulation development. Students will possess strong design abilities and will explore the world of interactivity so prevalent in the gaming, defense and health occupation arenas. Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Game Arts and Design are prepared for eventual careers such as Game Designer, Graphics and Special Effects Programmer, Audio Programmer, Technical Director, Artist/Animator, 3D Modeler and Compositor, Artist/Animator, Art Director, Game Level Designer, Game Tester, and Creative Director. |
Monrovia, CA |
Mt. Sierra College |
American Career Institute |
Digital Gaming Design Training
If you have a love for technology, video game design and 3-D animation, our Digital Gaming Design program is just for you!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Digital Game Design jobs are expected to grow by 29% through 2018.* Now is the time to break into this popular career! |
Cambridge, MA |
American Career Institute |
Keiser University |
Video Game Design Major
Program Description |
Daytona Beach, FL |
Keiser University |
Coleman University |
Game Programming Development and DesignOffered at the San Diego campus. This certificate program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level employment in the area of computer game programming, development, and design. The successful graduate will be able to effectively apply standard programming concepts, including sound and graphics, in a console/computer game setting; create and utilize a framework for designing console/computer games; build and animate three-dimensional models; and apply the preceding as part of a group to create a comprehensive one-level game. These objectives will provide our graduates with a firm grasp of the skills, knowledge, and abilities that are demanded by businesses in the computer/console gaming industry. Students will combine back-end programming and networking solutions with realistic multimedia interaction to satisfy the consumer's demand for exceptional game-playing experiences. |
San Diego, CA |
Coleman University 8888 Balboa Avenue San Diego, CA |
CDI College |
3D Modeling Animation Art & DesignThere is growing demand for skilled 3D modelers and animators for film, TV, and video game design. CDI's 3D Modeling Animation Art & Design program gives you a solid foundation in the artistic and technical skills you need to thrive in these competitive industries. The program teaches key concepts like video game design programs, 3D modeling software, colour theory, life drawing, and other design fundamentals. Students will put their skills to use in the the production and animation of lighting, texturing, characters, layout and design. Graduates of this program will have built a strong portfolio that they can use to launch their careers in animation and design. Students will be prepared to work in a variety of CGI based industries. "The staff in Employment Services was very supportive and made sure that the students had the ability to produce a strong resume and to perform a thorough job search. Overall, I would recommend this college to anyone because of the high standards set by all staff." - Patrick S. CDI College graduate Job Opportunities Game development companies Computer animation studios Special effects and post-production Industrial design firms Software producers |
Pointe-Claire, QC |
CDI College Pointe-Claire, QC |
ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN ™ |
Entertainment Design The film and game industries aren't what they used to be. Thanks to the nonstop advances in modern technology, CG films are on the rise, the game universe is rapidly expanding and the entire field of visual entertainment is being blown wide open. It's a world of endless possibility, and illustrators are suddenly finding themselves playing a major role in shaping its future. They are now an integral part of the creative process, collaborating with writers and directors to create entire worlds for games, and their visionary ideas are a driving force behind the inception and creation of films. Art Center is on the cutting edge of these exciting changes. Anticipating rapid changes in today's entertainment industry, the College recenlty restructured its Film and Illustration Departments. The Illustration Department now specializes in two entertainment tracks - the Arts Track and the newly-launched Entertainment Design Track. Students learn to work in a collaborative environment, to see the big picture and to fully understand the new interdisciplinary way of filmmaking. The world is changing fast, and Art Center is providing the talent and resources to not only keep up, but to raise the visual bar to new levels. Request a Brochure > |
Pasadena, California |
Art Center College of Design 1700 Lida Street Pasadena, CA 91103 Admissions: 626.396.2373 Request a Brochure > |
Savannah College of Art and Design |
SCAD animation program The SCAD animation program has been ranked among the top three animation programs in North America by 3D World magazine. Industry-standard Tools Including After Effects, Premiere, Flipbook, Flash and Dreamweaver; Autodesk Maya; Anime Studio; Apple Shake; and Pixar RenderMan. School of Film and Digital Media resources also include a Vicon motion capture system. SCAD, Savannah, Gary Goldman, animationGary Goldman is Winter Quarter Guest Animation Faculty Member Legendary animator Gary Goldman, best known for his work on such animated classics as “The Secret of N.I.M.H.” (1982) and “All Dogs Go To Heaven” (1989), and the video games “Dragon's Lair” (1983) and “Space Ace” (1983), will join SCAD as artist-in-residence, teaching traditional 2-D animation. Request a Brochure > |
Savannah, GA |
Savannah College of Art and Design 342 Bull St. Savannah, GA 31402 (912) 525-5100 Request a Brochure > |
Johns Hopkins University |
Multimedia & Web Design, 3D Design, Animation Design
Request a Brochure > |
Baltimore, MD Columbia, MD |
Johns Hopkins University Request a Brochure > |
Pratt Institute |
Pratt Institute's Manhattan campus Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS)offers certificate programs in Computer Graphics. One area of concentration is in Computer Animation and Video. It is for students who wish to pursue careers in film , entertainment, special effects, game design and broadcast design. Study focuses on the creation and design of time-based media. Choose to focus on a variety of areas, including 2D and 3D animation,including traditional animation, digital video, and broadcast design. Students study the choreography and design of complex animated sequences, with topics including creation of titling sequences, editing, compositing, modeling, rendering, and animation. Final projects are edited to form a demo reel portfolio. Request a Brochure > |
New York, NY |
Pratt Institute 144 West 14th St. Room 209 New York, NY 10011-7300 212 647.7199 Request a Brochure > |
AGA Digital Studios, Inc. |
Character Animation, Computer Animation/Digital Art, Workshops, Private Training. Request a Brochure > |
Schaumburg, IL |
AGA Digital Studios, Inc. 1305 Wiley Road Schaumburg, IL 60173 847-755-4488 Request a Brochure > |
University of Texas at Dallas Arts and Technology |
Cartooning, Character Animation, Experimental Animation, Computer Animation/Digital Art, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Multimedia/Games, Web Graphics/Design, Web Animation, Performance Animation, Animation History/Theory.
Request a Brochure > |
Richardson, TX |
University of Texas at Dallas Arts and Technology POB 830688, JO 31 Richardson, TX 73083-0688 972-883-4376 Request a Brochure > |
3D Training Institute |
3DTI is a premier training institute that focuses exclusively in high-end 3d animation training in class-room settings and on-line. The 3DTI team includes creative directors, animators and instructors who have worked on films, television commercials and advertising campaigns for companies such as Samsung, Artesyn Technologies, Aiwa America, Proctor and Gamble and McDonalds.
Request a Brochure > |
New York, NY |
3D Training Institute 3 East 28th St. 8th Floor New York, NY 10016 United States (T) +(1) 212 967-7777 ext. 8 Request a Brochure > |
After working hard and earning a degree from one these video game design schools you should have an impressive demo reel and be qualified for a position at a video game company. Some of the graduates of the schools above have held positions at video game companies as Concept Artist, Level Designer, Lead Game Designer, Character Animator, Game Designer, 3D Modeler, Visual Effects Animator, Character Rigger, Texture Artist, 3D Animator and more.
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